Validation of the Thermo Scientific SureTect(™) Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR Kit for the Detection of Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari in Raw Poultry and Ready-to-Cook Poultry Products: AOAC Performance Tested Method(SM) 012101

BACKGROUND: The Thermo Scientific SureTect(™) Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR Kit is a real-time PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari from raw poultry, ready-to-cook poultry products, and environmental samples. OBJECTIVE: The Thermo Scientific SureTect Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR Kit was evaluated for AOAC(®)Performance Tested Methods(SM) certification. METHODS: Inclusivity/exclusivity, matrix studies, product consistency and stability, and robustness testing were conducted to assess the method’s performance. In the matrix studies, the method was validated against United States and international reference methods for Campylobacter detection. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences found in the matrix studies between the candidate and reference methods when analyzed by probability of detection. All 52 inclusivity strains and none of the 51 exclusivity strains tested were detected by the assay. Robustness testing demonstrated that the assay gave reliable performance with specific method deviations outside of the recommended parameters, and the real-time stability testing demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences between kit lots, validating the stated shelf life of the kit. CONCLUSION: The data presented support the product claims that the Thermo Scientific SureTect Campylobacter jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari PCR assay is suitable for the detection and differentiation of C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. lari from raw poultry, ready-to-cook poultry products, and environmental samples. HIGHLIGHTS: Presumptive results can be obtained in as little as 23 h. Microaerophilic incubators are not required for enrichment.